What services does a Travel Center focus on as it relates to a Hardees franchise?

According to Hardees's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a Travel Center, in the context of a Hardees franchise, primarily focuses on providing services to the trucking industry. These services include fuel, showers, restrooms, convenience items, food, and truck parking and services.

For a prospective Hardees franchisee, this means that a Hardees restaurant located within a Travel Center is strategically positioned to cater to the needs of truck drivers and travelers on interstate or limited-access highways. This can be a significant advantage, as it provides a built-in customer base and high visibility. The FDD also mentions the possibility of a Hardees being located at a Gas and Convenience Center, which focuses on non-commercial fuel service and convenience items, including freshly made foods.

Hardees also offers a Travel Center Development Incentive Program for franchisees who develop restaurants at Travel Center or Gas and Convenience Locations. To be eligible for this program, the location must be within ½ mile of an interstate or limited access highway and include a combination of high rise pylon sign, billboard or other highway sign. The franchisee must also open at least three newly-constructed Hardee's Restaurants pursuant to a Development Agreement dated no later than May 24, 2026. Franchisees must also not be in default of their obligations and must be approved for growth by Hardees.

If a franchisee meets the requirements for the Travel Center Development Incentive Program, they will sign a 2025 HR Travel Center Development Incentive Program Addendum to the Franchise Agreement, which outlines their right to receive development incentives. However, signing this addendum means they will not be entitled to any other incentives offered by Hardees for the applicable Franchised Restaurant(s).